Central Iowa Tourism
Central Iowa Tourism on IowaBeautiful.com. Central Iowa Tourism - your Central Iowa Travel Guide to Vacations, Attractions and Events
John Wayne Birthplace - Winterset, Iowa
John Wayne Birthplace - Winterset, Iowa. He holds the record for the actor with the most leading parts - 142. In all but 11 films he played the leading part.
Birth Name : Marion Michael Morrison
Date of Birth : May 26, 1907
Place of Birth : Winterset, Iowa, USA
Date of Death : June 11, 1979
Place of Death : Los Angeles, California (buried at the Pacific View Memorial Park, Newport Beach, California)
Cause of Death : Lung and stomach cancer
The Temple For Performing Arts - Des Moines, Iowa
The Temple For Performing Arts - Des Moines, Iowa
A center for Arts, Culture, Music, Entertaining and Learning the Temple has been restored to its once grand status.
the Temple is listed on the National Historic Register. Marked as one of the "most endangered" historic buildings by the National Historical Register, The Temple For Performing Arts was given new life with renovations completed in October of 2002.
Double D Rodeo - Toledo, Iowa
- Toledo, Iowa
Ranch Rodeo is an event that was re-created a number of years ago to return to the roots of rodeo when the first event was established in 1882. The Double D Rodeo is a true Ranch Rodeo!
Diagonal Printing Museum - Diagonal, Iowa
Diagonal Printing Museum - Diagonal, Iowa
Visitors to Diagonal, Iowa can view an actual working press and a Linotype machine. The museum also houses a genealogical center and displays of local historical artifacts.
Jester Park - Polk City, Iowa
Jester Park - Polk City, Iowa
Jester Park has been one of central Iowa’s favorite outdoor playgrounds since 1958.
This 1,834-acre park on the western shore of Saylorville Lake offers camping, picnicking, and golfing in a quiet country setting just a half-hour from downtown Des Moines.
The Museum In Maxwell - Maxwell, Iowa
The Museum In Maxwell - Maxwell, Iowa
This museum consists of two buildings on the main
street of town and a machine shed. In the south building visitors can look at examples of old-time establishments such as: general store, millinery shop, school room, church, post office, and barber shop. Here also is housed a collection of rocks, fossils, and geodes. The north building contains displays of military memorabilia and uniforms, quilts and coverlets, and wedding and graduation dresses.
Jefferson Telephone Company Museum - Jefferson, Iowa
Jefferson Telephone Company Museum - Jefferson, Iowa
In this museum in Jefferson, Iowa, are displayed all types of telephones, switchboards, and other types of equipment dating from the 1800s to the present. This is one of few museums of its kind in the United States. There are also photo displays of various aspects of the telephone business.
Quarry Depot/Trackside Treasurer - Marshalltown, Iowa
Quarry Depot/Trackside Treasurer - Marshalltown, Iowa
This depot in Marshalltown is the oldest Chicago Northwestern station in Iowa; it is also the only one made out of stone. This 1868 depot has been renovated. Visitors can look at posters, notebooks, and displays of area history. Also they have collected railroad memorabilia. Local crafters have consigned arts and crafts for sale there.
Jasper County Museum - Newton, Iowa
Jasper County Museum - Newton, Iowa
This museum in Newton features, among other items, the Maytag washing machine historical exhibit since the washing machine industry began when F. L. Maytag introduced the manufacture of a hand-powered washer in Newton.
National Balloon Museum - Indianola, Iowa
National Balloon Museum - Indianola, Iowa 
Indianola is the home of the National Balloon Classic that takes place in late July and early August. This contemporary building of unusual design houses ballooning artifacts and memorabilia that depict 200 years of history of hot-air and gas ballooning, ballooning events in the world, and personalities involved in ballooning. These are shown through displays, photographs, and collections. Balloon equipment such as envelopes, inflators, and gondolas are displayed. Guided tours are available. The building’s shape resembles two inverted balloons. During the summer Classic mass ascensions take place from fields near Indianola.
Admission – None (donations appreciated)
Directions – 1 mile north of the junction of State Road 92 and United States Highway 65/69
Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sunday, February – December (closed January, Easter, Thanksgiving, and December 25)
Phone – (515) 961-3714
